The Best Holiday Ads of 2024

Through Jan. 3, consumers who spend $20 or more on Liquid Death still or sparkling waters or iced teas through Gopuff will get a free co-branded swimsuit (while supplies last) and an automatic entry into the contest. Three randomly selected winners will receive a full-sized hot tub, emblazoned with both brands’ logos, delivered to their homes. The ad comes from Liquid Death’s internal creative team. –T.L. Stanley

WestJet

A Canadian airline calls its holiday program “Real-Time Giving,” but viewers may know it better as “the annual weepy WestJet ad.”

This year, as the campaign from agency Rethink celebrates its 11th season, the brand flipped the script, asking children to guess what their parents would like for Christmas. (The focus of previous efforts has been on showering kids with their hearts’ desire).

Answers from the youngsters were, predictably, hilarious. A basketball? An avocado? Some had a better handle than others on what would make their mom or dad happy.

As the families boarded a WestJet flight in Toronto, the brand’s employees raced to fulfill the wishes, meeting the travelers about four hours later in the airport in Calgary. The stunt is captured in a three-minute video.

In the end—some zhuzhing was required—130 parents received smart phones, VIP experiences with the Toronto Blue Jays, flights to Italy, signed jerseys from the Calgary Roughnecks, restaurant gift cards, resort packages and more. –T.L. Stanley

Dutch State Lottery

The Dutch State Lottery is a seasoned old pro when it comes to tugging at the heart strings, and this year’s commercial from agency TBWA\Neboko is no exception. It centers on a man named Tom who helps his elderly neighbor—checking on her welfare, walking her dog, bringing her food.

During one of those visits, his own mutt eats her New Year’s lottery ticket, and he rushes to buy her a replacement. As it turns out, she had planned to gift the lottery ticket to him anyway as a thank-you for his attention.

So to recap: adorable pups, genuine connection, selfless behavior. Who’s crying? –T.L. Stanley

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